Dynamo downs Fire 2-1 in MLS playoffs

BRIDGEVIEW, Illinois (AP) — Will Bruin scored twice as the Houston Dynamo beat the Chicago Fire 2-1 on Wednesday in the opening round of the Major League Soccer Eastern Conference playoffs.

The Dynamo, which hadn't beaten the Fire since 2010, advances to host top-seeded Kansas City in Sunday's first leg of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Houston had to hold off Chicago in the last seven minutes. Brazilian veteran Alex beat Dynamo goalkeeper Tally Hall with a low right-footed shot in the 82nd minute, cutting Houston's lead.

Bruin headed in a corner for his first goal when he connected with a pass from midfielder Brad Davis from the left and beat Chicago goalkeeper Sean Johnson in the 12th minute.

Houston took advantage of a Chicago error at the start of the second half for its second goal after Fire defender Gonzalo Segares' clearing pass was deflected. Johnson got his right hand on Bruin's 10-yard shot 19 seconds into the second half, but couldn't stop it.

Houston controlled the ball more effectively for the first 75 minutes, giving Hall an easy night until Alex's goal.